Race death stuns riders

Police said he was hit by another rider. Photo / Thinkstock

The motorbike racing community has been numbed by the death of a leading racer at a meet yesterday afternoon.

Craig Hyde from Methven was one of the frontrunners in a field of 30 at the Levels Raceway in Timaru, when he came off his 150cc bike in the first lap and slid across the track. Police said he was hit by another rider.

The event was run by Classic Action Motorcycle Sport.

John Hecker, from the club, said it was "just one of those racing incidents.

"It happens in a split second.

"I was checking gear and bikes and helmets and everything was good.

"I don't know what happened, perhaps just a lack of adhesion," he said.

"Craig was a really nice guy, an experienced guy.

"He was well-liked."